Parshas Ki Saitzai (5760)

Bs”d

Parshas Ki Saitzai (5760)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In answer to our common quest for self-improvement in Elul, I would like to share a Medrash which I found quite inspiring and helpful. Medrash Rabbah 4:5:” Omar HaKadosh Baruch Hu Shimu Li Sheain Adam Shomayah Li U’mafsid.” HaShem calls out to us to be obedient. One never loses by fulfilling HaShem’s wishes. These simple few words have awesome far-reaching implications. In the typical test situations that we so often find ourselves, is the classical “tug of war” between getting ‘my way’, doing ‘my thing’, having ‘ my enjoyment or thrill’ versus doing the Will of HaShem. What is boils down to is should I give in to HaShem, The Master of the world, Giver of Life, and sacrifice my own enjoyment, with the belief and realization that I will receive reward in this world and the next. Through this Medrash a completely new and different dimension comes to light. In focusing on the essence of the temptation of reaping the immediate satisfaction HaShem says don’t be concerned over the loss, because there won’t be one. Whatever benefit or enjoyment you expect to attain, will be obtained. My promise to you is not “just” reward sometime in the future in this world and the next, but the very satisfaction for which you yearn I will satiate you with, but through permissible means.

To manifest this as a reality it demands our belief that HaShem is in contact with our inward feelings and has full control. We find this concept reflected in our Parsha of Ki Saitzai. The Chazal Rashi quotes concerning the taking of the Yefas Toar 21:11 “If he takes her he will eventually despise her”. We can hear the echo of the tempted exclaiming—“Me hate her?? This is my heart. How can some other being dictate how I will feel?” Hashem knows your feelings and He is in absolute control. How much this could change things for us if we were only able to bear it in mind when tested, HaShem will satiate our desires and we won’t lose.

A helpful Elul tip; pick some even small area for self-improvement every day.

We should be successful in our endeavors and it should lead to a wonderful year in every way for us and all Klal Yisroel.